GITEX Technology Week 2019 Focuses on Smart City Innovation

Gitex Technology Week 2019 Focuses on Smart City Innovation

The 39th edition of GITEX Technology Week concluded successfully at the Dubai World Trade Centre last week. More than 100,000 visitors attended the event along with 4,500 exhibitors from 140 countries. The event focused on technological innovations to elevate the status of Dubai as a smart city. Major UAE-based organizations including Etisalat, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Road Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Police and DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) participated in the event showcasing innovations that could transform Dubai into a Smart City. Major technology innovators such as Cisco, SAP, Hitachi, Huawei, Siemens and several other UAE-based start-ups also displayed their technological innovations during the event.

Top Attractions – GITEX Technology Week 2019

Etisalat showcased the first 5G Flying Bike, which turned out to be the centre of attraction for the event. The bike had an 8-cylinder engine with four jet turbines and has the ability to switch from ride mode to fly-mode within 60 seconds. The bike was named Lazareth LM847 and used 5G to power up the vehicle. It is powered by a 5.2 litre Maserati V8 engine that delivers 470 brake horsepower (bhp).

Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) displayed 34 innovative projects in GITEX Technology Week 2019, among which 24 innovations were demonstrated for the first time. Some of the major innovations include; the extraction of water from air humidity, a photovoltaic cleaning robot detecting pollution levels; implementation of a Facial Recognition System which allows companies to develop and evaluate data-driven solutions, swiftly and efficiently, using AI. DEWA also innovated its consumer interface panel by revamping its website and integrating Facebook, Alexa, Google Assistant, robots, and WhatsApp Business platform on its site.

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) displayed the new Smart Health alert system that could examine the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS scores). The innovation helps in proactively identifying critical cases and responding before the situation escalates. Likewise, online employee grievance system and AI-based billing were other innovations displayed by DHA in the GITEX event.

Rashid Centre for People of Determination in collaboration with Avaya, a telecommunication market leader launched a smart communication platform on their website to help streamline communications between staff, students and parents to improve learning experiences, enhance student safety and simplify administrative tasks.

Dubai Police, in partnership with Kleindienst group, launched the world’s first unmanned floating smart police station focusing on the safety and security of marine life. The floating seahorse Smart Police Station (SPS) is expected to be active from the Q1 of 2020.

Smart City Initiatives – Dubai 

Dubai has constantly focused on adapting new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) along Big Data at every level of the public and private entities to become a smart city. Reports suggest that Dubai’s Autonomous Transportation Strategy alone will help cut government spending by 44 per cent, resulting in savings of up to Dh 900 million (USD 245 million) annually. 

As Dubai strives to become the most innovative and creative city in the world, the annual GITEX Technology Week 2019 played an important role in showcasing Dubai’s intent and vision in adapting newer technologies. It also indicated a strong demand for Information Technology (IT) related products & services

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